Pope Pius X

Papal Election

On July 20 1903, Pope Leo XIII died, and subsequently (by August) the conclave convened to elect a new Pope. According to historians, the favorite was Leo XIII's secretary of state, Cardinal Mariano Rampolla del Tindaro. On the first ballot, Cardinal Rampolla received 24 votes, Cardinal Gotti had 17 votes, and Cardinal Sarto 5 votes. On the second ballot, Rampolla had gained 5 votes, as did Sarto. The next day, it seemed that Rampolla would be elected. However, the veto against Rampolla's nomination, by Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary, was proclaimed. Many among the conclave, including Rampolla, protested the veto, and it was even suggested that he be elected Pope despite the veto.

Related Topics:
July 20 - 1903 - Pope Leo XIII - Conclave - Cardinal Mariano Rampolla del Tindaro - Veto - Emperor Franz Joseph - Austria-Hungary

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However, the third vote had already begun, and thus the conclave had to continue with the voting, which resulted in no clear winner, though it did indicate that many of the conclave wished to turn their support to Sarto, who had 21 votes upon counting. The fourth vote showed Rampolla with 30 votes and Sarto with 24. It seemed clear that the cardinals were moving toward Cardinal Sarto.

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On the following morning, the fifth vote of the conclave was taken, and the count had Rampolla with 10 votes, Gotti with 2 votes, and Sarto with 50 votes . Thus, on 4 August 1903, Cardinal Sarto was elected to the 257th Pontificate. (See Papal conclave, 1903) This marked the last time a veto would be exercised by a Catholic monarch in the proceedings of the conclave.

Related Topics:
Papal conclave, 1903 - Veto

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At first, it is reported, Sarto declined the nomination, feeling unworthy. Additionally, he had been deeply saddened by the use of the Austro-Hungarian veto and vowed to rescind these powers and excommunicate anyone who leaked information during a conclave. With the cardinals asking him to reconsider, it is further reported, he went into solitude, and took the position after deep prayer, and the urging of his fellow cardinals.

Related Topics:
Veto - Excommunicate

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In accepting the Papacy, he took as his Papal name Pius X, out of respect for his recent predecessors of the same name, particularly Pius IX, who had resisted persecution and fought against theological errors. Pius X's traditional coronation took place on the following Sunday, 9 August 1903.

Related Topics:
Pius IX - Coronation - 9 August - 1903

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